This 1969 episode from the British television series ITV Saturday Night Theatre serves up a charming and festive version of William Shakespeare's famous comedy about gender confusion and double entendres, featuring an amazing cast that includes Alec Guinness, Ralph Richardson, Joan Plowright, and Tommy Steele, all under the direction of John Sichel. Surviving a shipwreck, Viola (Plowright) becomes separated from her twin brother, disguising herself as the male "Cesario." Taking a position as an aide to the duke Orsino (Gary Raymond), Cesario/Viola is sent as Orsino's emissary to woo Countess Olivia (Adrienne Corri). Olivia, however, falls instead for Cesario (Viola having done such a fine job as Orsino's surrogate). Further complications ensue when Olivia's kinsman Sir Toby (Richardson) and his friends—including the fool Feste (nice work by Steele, who plays a lute and sings at one point)—trick her steward Malvolio (Guinness) into believing that his mistress has feelings for him. Plowright is sublime as Viola, making a convincing case that her survival depends on being mistaken for a man, while also conveying depths of feminine wisdom. Richardson is wonderful as the besotted Toby, partying hard during the wee hours with Olivia's unlikely suitor Sir Andrew (a fine character turn by John Moffatt) and Feste. And Guinness is superb, perfectly capturing Malvolio's transformation into a besotted would-be lover. Highly recommended. (T. Keogh)
Twelfth Night
Koch, 103 min., not rated, DVD: $24.98 Volume 23, Issue 4
Twelfth Night
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